2013/14 Season Tickets: Early Bird

Henrik Ojamaa bid rejected

UEFA Europa League Information

Club Statement: Stuart McCall

Well Society: Chairman’s Message

Since last October, when the society was handed over to the fans by the club, I am happy to report that we have made good progress on a number of fronts.

For example, by

Electing seven members onto the board, as well as two members onto the club board

Representing members’ views through email contact, twitter and facebook, as well as organising a range of open meetings, including to discuss league reconstruction proposals

Developing a new business club level of membership

Publicising the society in a range and variety of ways, such as stories and updates in local and national newspapers, including the Motherwell Times and Wishaw Press, the Daily Record, The Herald and Scotsman, as well as the BBC and Sky News.

Last year, despite finishing third in the league, the club made an operating loss of over £500k. Despite finishing second in the league this season, the club experienced a much lower than expected income from transfers and gate revenue, as well as having to pay for extra bonuses to management and playing staff.

On top of all that, the SPL has not signed up a new sponsor for next season. All of which means that the club relies on the society for financial support at crucial times of the year.

I am also pleased to report, therefore, that we have assisted the financial position of the club through a share subscription of £150k. This provided a much needed cash injection during the months of March and April to alleviate a temporary shortfall.

Your board and the club board are committed to the society model. We both want the club to continue to be successful through prudent financial management and without any assistance from a bank or a single benefactor or consortium. We both want to achieve fan-ownership of the club sooner rather than later.

So, if we are to achieve our purpose of acquiring a majority shareholding in the club as well as providing a financial safety net, we need urgently to recruit many more members. To do that we need the help and support of current members to persuade their friends and fellow fans to join the revolution and get involved in the work of the society.

I would like to thank all those members who have supported the society and helped in various ways, such as organising events, participating in planning groups, or giving out leaflets, and so on. I would also urge more of you to volunteer and get involved in whatever way you can.

Finally, I look forward to celebrating with you the club’s success in Europe next season!

Archive

TV: Final farewell for Humphrey

Tuesday 04 June 2013

An emotional Chris Humphrey left Fir Park for the last time this afternoon full of memories of his four years at Motherwell.

The Jamaican international signed a deal with English League One side Preston North End, bringing to an end a fantastically successful spell in Claret and Amber including two ‘best of the rest’ finishes in the SPL, a Scottish Cup final and twelve matches in European competition.

It has been a rollercoaster of emotions for the 25-year old, who overcame personal tragedy early in his ‘Well career to mature both on and off the field.

[pullquote]I’ve loved my time at Fir Park, I’ve met some great people and made lifelong friends at the club and the football has been great for me too.[/pullquote]

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV for the final time, the former West Bromwich Albion and Shrewsbury Town winger said: “Your emotions don’t really kick in until you actually sign somewhere else and it dawns on you that you won’t be coming back.

“I’ve loved my time at Fir Park, I’ve met some great people and made lifelong friends at the club and the football has been great for me too; it really suited for wingers up in Scotland.

“When I first signed back in 2009, everyone knows some of the issues and problems I had off the field and the club were fantastic during that time, giving me the time off with my family that I needed.

“It’s times like that which makes this such a special place and why leaving is so hard. But I am looking forward to the challenge at Preston in what should be a very competitive league.

“I just want to thank everyone at Motherwell for everything and I’ll certainly be back soon to watch some matches.”

Humphrey departs to join Preston NE

Chris Humphrey has today signed a three-year deal with English League One side Preston North End.

The Steelmen had offered the 25-year old winger a new deal but he has opted to return south of the border and will officially join the Deepdale club on 1 July.

Humphrey leaves Fir Park after four fantastic seasons in Lanarkshire following his switch from Shrewsbury in the summer of 2009. He played 163 times in Claret and Amber, scored nine goals and has a countless number of assists.

Included in the games total are twelve matches in European football, including Europa League appearances against Steaua Bucharest, Odense BK and Levante U.D. and a UEFA Champions League outing against Panathinaikos.

During his term north of the border, the pacy winger was considered for the Scotland squad due to his Kilmarnock-born mother, but was eventually capped by the country of his birth, Jamaica, last summer.

Humphrey was subject to interest from a number of clubs but has chosen to join Simon Grayson’s side as they prepare to battle for a return to the English Championship.

Everyone at Motherwell Football Club would like to sincerely thank Chris for his outstanding contribution over the last four years and wish him every success in his future career.

Archive

Hammell gets Scotland call-up

Friday 31 May 2013

Stevie Hammell has been called-up to the Scotland International squad for the 2014 World Cup qualifier in Croatia, nine years after winning his first and last full cap.

The 31-year old last turned out in dark blue back in November of 2004 – a 4-1 friendly defeat by Sweden at Easter Road with the late Tommy Burns in temporary charge.

With the lack of an established left-back over the years, Hammell, who has played an incredible 464 times in Claret and Amber, can perhaps feel a little unlucky to not have amassed more appearances for the national squad. He has, however, turned out for the ‘B’ squad on more than one occasion.

Now, with the current (Stuart McCall) and former (Mark McGhee) Motherwell manager involved in the coaching set-up, Hammell has been included after Charlie Mulgrew was forced to miss the match and injury concerns over Lee Wallace, Danny Fox and Phil Bardsley.

[pullquote]People might say there have been a lot of call-offs but that doesn’t matter in the slightest to me because it’s a fantastic honour to represent your country.[/pullquote]

Hammell, who is the first ‘Well player to be involved in the senior Scotland squad since Steven Saunders played against the Faroe Islands back in 2010, said: “People might say there have been a lot of call-offs but that doesn’t matter in the slightest to me because it’s a fantastic honour to represent your country.

“I was thrilled to bits when the gaffer [Stuart McCall] rang me on Wednesday. At first I thought he was winding me up then he said he was deadly serious and that Gordon wanted to know if I was available.

“I had no hesitation in telling him in the most emphatic of terms. When Gordon ran me, I was delighted to accept. The ironic thing is that I’m doing my coaching badges down at Largs and when the media interviewed me earlier this week, the international scene came up in the discussion.”

Everyone at Motherwell Football Club would like to congratulate Stevie on his richly-deserved call-up and wish him all the best in Zagreb.

Archive

‘Well extend deal with Curtis Sport

Thursday 30 May 2013

Motherwell Football Club are delighted to confirm a partnership continuation with programme publishers Curtis Sport.

The Steelmen have enjoyed two fantastic years with the West Midlands based company, culminating in back-to-back ‘Most Improved’ awards from Programme Monthly.

And with another European campaign on the horizon, it’s an exciting time for the ‘Steelmen Matchday Magazine’.

Press & Media Manager Alan Burrows said, “I have been absolutely delighted with how the magazine has improved over the last two years.

“Stuart [Curtis] and his team, including design Karl Wheeler, have been a dream to work with. We have made significant improvements and we hope to go one better this time around.

‘We will retain our 68-page publication and hope the forthcoming edition will be the best yet.”

Just £90 (UK only) sent in a hard backed envelope and dispatched in time to arrive for the day of the game!

Includes all friendly, league, domestic cup and European games played at Fir Park.

To order your subscription, or for backdated programmes from 11/12 and 12/13, head to the Curtis Sport website.

Archive

Two Cup Finals this weekend

Thursday 30 May 2013

Motherwell FC Community Trust are looking forward to an exciting end to the season with both the U13 Girls & Amateur side reaching their respective finals.

The Under 13 girls beat Milton Rovers in the Semi-Final and are now looking forward to playing Falkirk in the Final this Saturday, 1st June at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir.

Coach Maxine McCrindle said “It’s a great achievement for the girls. They have showed excellent desire on the road to the final and it would be a real delight to see them crowned Champions.”

Kick-Off is 3pm and entry is £3 for adult / free for children and we would like to encourage all ‘Well fans to get behind the girls!

MFC Community Trust Amateur Squad are soaring with confidence heading in to their Final after already confirming promotion in the league.

The semi-final was a two-leg affair against Glasgow outfit Quayside.

The Trust won 3-1 away in the first leg allowing them to qualify after a 1-1 draw in the return.

The Final against Whifflet is also played over two legs with the first being 10am this Saturday, 1st June at Loch End Leisure Centre in Easterhouse.

2013/14 Season Tickets: Early Bird

Wednesday 29 May 2013

You have until 4.30pm on Friday to secure your 2013/14 Season Ticket ‘Early Bird Discount’.

The Ticket Office will open late on Thursday night (8pm) for fans wishing to secure their spot for next season. Even if you can’t make it to Fir Park before the deadline, if you phone and register your interest, we will ensure you receive your discount when you do buy.

A season ticket, whether bought individually or as part of a family package, represents tremendous value.

We have completely frozen prices from last season so if you picked up your ticket after the early-bird offer last term; you have an opportunity to actually save money on your ticket.

We have also continued our ‘WELLevate’ scheme which allows any adult or senior citizen buying a season ticket at Fir Park to claim a juvenile ticket absolutely free of charge or TWO U16s tickets if you sit in the Cooper Stand

Season Ticket uptake has grow over 35% over the last three years because of this brilliant initiative – perhaps the single most effective way of recruiting new, younger fans over the last 100 years

The excellent Season Ticket offers which can be used to earn a host of discounts in a number of well-known businesses makes a return

Henrik Ojamaa bid rejected

The club can confirm that it has once again rejected an offer for Estonian International striker Henrik Ojamaa.

As was reported in the national press earlier in the week, the 22-year old was subject to an bid from a Polish Ekstraklasa side.

However, the fee involved falls considerably below what the club deems acceptable for the player, who has ten International caps to his name.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “We understand there is likely to be a considerable amount of interest in Henrik given just how well he has performed since arriving at the club in January 2012.

“He scored five goals in his first seven matches after joining the club and created more goals than any other player in the Scottish Premier League last season; that obviously hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“However, the bid we have received does not match our valuation of the player.”

Ojamaa is currently with the Estonian national side as they prepare for friendly matches in Tallin against Belarus [3rd June], Trinidad and Tobago [7th June] and Kyrgyzstan [11th June].

Archive

UEFA Europa League Information

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Following Celtic’s William Hill Scottish Cup Final success on Sunday, Motherwell have been confirmed as entrants in the Third Qualifying Round of the 2013/14 UEFA Europa League.

The matches in this round will be scheduled for Thursday 1st August, with the return leg one week later, Thursday 8th August.

The seedings are yet to be confirmed but it is likely Stuart McCall’s side will go into the draw unseeded.

Seeded teams already confirmed for the Third Qualifying Round include the likes of Udinese, Club Brugge, Saint-Étienne, Swansea City and Bursaspor.

The draw for the Third Qualifying Round will take place in Switzerland on Friday 19th July.

The club will confirm additional information around any proposed charters and ticketing information when more details of the opponent become clear.

For more information on the 2013/14 UEFA Europa League, vist the UEFA website.

Archive

Club Statement: Stuart McCall

Monday 27 May 2013

Motherwell Football Club is today delighted to confirm manager Stuart McCall has opted to stay on as manager despite interest from English League One side Sheffield United.

Following a formal request, the Bramall Lane club were granted permission to speak to Stuart last week.

However, the 40-times capped former Scotland midfielder, who is contracted until the summer of 2015, has decided to continue on with his role at Fir Park.

Commenting, McCall said: “It has been a really difficult last few days. As most people probably know, I spent five great years at Sheffield United.

“I was grateful to the board for allowing me to speak to them but I went with an open mind. I had no desire to leave Motherwell after enjoying two-and-a-half great years at the club.

“There is no doubt Sheffield United are a fantastic club but, after careful consideration and deliberation, I am more than happy to continue my current role at Fir Park.

“I have built up a tremendous feeling for Motherwell, the people who work at the club and the supporters. It would take something really special to tempt me away.

[pullquote]I have built up a tremendous feeling for Motherwell, the people who work at the club and the supporters. It would take something really special to tempt me away.[/pullquote]

“Along with the rest of the coaching staff and the board, we will continue preparations for the new season, adding new players to the squad and looking forward to a return to European football in early August.”

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster added: “Our admiration for Stuart and the job he has done in the two-and-a-half years at Motherwell is certainly no secret.

“However, we think it is only right never to stand in our staff’s way if a big offer comes in. That is why we granted permission and respectfully remained silent during the process.

“That being said, we are absolutely delighted our manager has decided to stay with us. Stability and continuity when we are changing the squad is very desirable so it’s a huge bonus to have Stuart continue in his current role.

“We are really excited about the future and the focus of everyone at the club will be to give Stuart and his staff all the support they need at an important time of the year.”